An armed group answering to Evo Morales captured a military regiment in Cochabamba: they took the officers hostage

followers of evo morales they broke into one Military regiment in the tropical region of Cochabamba and he took hostages The military and civilians present there respond to the operation ordered Friday morning by President Luis Arce, attempting to open roads that have been blocked for 19 days.

local series vara tv Released a video in which a group of Avistas can be seen with sticks at Cacique Juan Maraza base, justifying their fight and demanding that the unit’s colonel Lay down your weapons and do not proceed on executive ordersBelow, you see the group – approximately 2,000 people– Some officers of the unit were surrounded and asked the government not to continue the unlocking operation.

,The regiment is taken over by the Central Eight. They have cut off our water and electricity and have taken us hostage. The lives of my trainers and soldiers are in danger. Please, my General, I request you to consider this… We are parents, children, brothers of the entire family“, began one of the soldiers, who could not be identified. “Our guarantees have been cut,” he said.

Then, as shots were heard in the background, he called “Quick resolution” of the conflict. between the ruling party and the Avista Bloc of the Movement Toward Socialism, and that “the blockade in Parotani should not be interfered with” And other sites.

For their part, Ivo’s followers chanted “What do we want, friends? Make them resign! Resign Lucho!”As they have been demanding for weeks.

Shortly after, around noon, Infantry Regiment RI-21 “Cnl. “Epifanio Rios”Also in the tropics, the presence of another group of followers of the coca grower was reported who were trying to enter the headquarters and repeat the action. However, the colonel of the unit there managed persuade the group to retreat After pledging not to use their weapons to block roads.

,We will not use weapons at all. What you are doing, brothers, is not right. Those are barracks facilities. It’s a house and it has rules. I only ask you not to commit this act, let’s be cautious (…) We are protecting the weapons here so that they are not misused, “It would be bad for people for weapons to fall into dangerous hands.”He asked to convince them at the door of the institution.

A similar situation arose Puerto Villarroel Naval BaseWhere a group approaches, first of all, talk to the army there to express their discomfort about the current crisis and proceed to occupy the place. “You have said it very clearly, as a naval force you are in charge there. so, we will take it in peaceWe are fighting for the well-being of our country, so that our economy improves, so that there is fuel, so that there is a dollar”, assured one of the leaders of the maneuver, in response to the government’s intervention in its blockade.

“What does the government want? make us fight (…) If they continue to massacre our people we will mobilize Six Federations of the Tropics. Minister, see, we are ready, if you keep committing genocide with weapons, we will also respond.After this he threatened.

However, Commander Roger Loayza responded “We have no intention of turning against you, nor are you coming here to seek any other form of retribution.” and got the group to agree to maintain peaceful watch On site, without violence.

Noting this advance by Morales’s followers, the armed forces published a statement in which they confirmed these actions. “irregular armed group” And he remembered that “who will take up arms against the country It is believed betrayal of the country“as well as those who lead” Armed rebellion against the security and sovereignty of the stateis violating fundamental rights Recognized in the state’s political constitution, international conventions and treaties.”

Thus, the letter states, “Bolivia, using its legal powers related to the defense and security of the State, is requested to credibly prosecute those who commit crimes against fundamental rights, human rights, security, freedom of the people, Perform or intend to perform acts.” , military establishments and, above all, lives, in the event of an apparent attack (…) to Give up your attitude and leave the barrack peacefully immediately,

meanwhile, government ministerEduardo del Castillo condemned the group’s actions but assured that they would not achieve their objective of stopping the actions of the security forces. “So far, The soldiers’ progress continues And it has good results. The Bolivian Police will not give up in their efforts to restore order and peace in our country. We will not allow irregular groups that seek impunity to destroy the country and hijack our homeland“he declared.

The situation has arisen amid demonstrations that followers of Evo Morales have been continuing for 19 days on the main streets of the country, which they believe is a sign of protest. political persecution Against coca growers promoted by the government. The country has had to pay the price for this measure of force. million dollars And following requests from the livestock, farmer and trader sectors, the Executive ordered a series of Campaign to remove blockages from roads,

“Patience and tolerance have limits.”That is why the state and the government, through their institutions, found themselves in Constitutional and legal obligation to take inter-institutional action guaranteeing free movementleaving the roads clean and Prevent these serious losses to the economy“, Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo said in the last hours.

However, this initiative was hampered by confrontation between the security forces and Avistas, who responded Stone And explosivebefore proceeding with the capture of the barracks.